Rangers' Josh Jung Collected A-Rod Cards, Has Autographed Brooks Robinson, But Another Orioles Infielder Is His Most Valuable
ALLEN — Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung was nine-years-old when Alex Rodriguez led the majors in home runs, runs and RBI in 2007.
That's a prime age for baseball card collecting, so it stands to reason A-Rod was a coveted commodity for Jung.
Jung still has those cards back at his parents' home in San Antonio. And he still likes to collect, including autographed cards from his teammates such as Corey Seager.
Before signing autographs at the Dallas Card Show in Allen on Saturday, Jung toured the vendors among the thousands of fans, many unaware that an All-Star third baseman was near.
He has a few Brooks Robinson cards, including an autographed card. His most valuable card?
"I have a Gunnar Henderson from this past year, a Cosmic Chrome Gold autograph. I got it graded. It was a 10," Jung said. "I take good care of my cards."
That's good because that Henderson autographed card is currently listed for $4,999 on eBay.
Jung, who turns 26 on Feb. 12, is preparing for his second full season in the big leagues. He was an All-Star in his rookie season and helped the Rangers win their first World Series championship. He still enjoys the thrill of opening a pack of cards.
"I just like the satisfaction of not knowing [what cards you're going to get], and then whatever comes out of the pack, comes out of the pack," he said. "That’s what I’m into. That was the joy, opening packs and getting whoever I got."
Growing up, he wasn't much of an autograph seeker. And he still doesn't have A-Rod's autograph despite his cards making up most of his collection as a kid, including a "bunch of rookie A-Rod cards."
He does collect autographs from his teammates, especially his World Series championship teammates.
"I think it’s cool to have an autograph from everybody you play with them," he said. "They all bust you for it, but it’s part of it.".
Inside the Rangers/Stefan Stevenson
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